Recommendations please

leandygandy

Hubby has been hankering after an espresso machine for a long time, so I am considering buying him one for Christmas.

I don't have an awful lot to spend but would rather buy a mid/higher price range machine if the quality of the espresso is better.

It needs to be fairly small - I expect it will get daily use and will therefore live on the kitchen side next to the toaster and the steriliser, we don't have a lot of surface space in our kitchen at the best of times!

Also running costs - I don't want to buy a cheap machine if it's going to cost a fortune to buy the necessary bits and bobs to actually make the espresso...

Does anybody already have an espressso machine, and would you recommend it if so?

tellmeitsfriday

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=gaggia+espresso&!!!!!googhydr-21&index=garden&hvadid=9369827101&ref=pd_sl_5ebpq0b9a8_b

I had a Gaggia Cubika, and it was wonderful coffee - I am not sure if £149 would be classified as a mid-price (domestic) machine though....

SkintGypsy

My Delonghi has just died after nearly three years so I have been reviewing replacements. The Gaggias in my price range reviewed poorly. I am looking at a replacement Delonghi. If you browse amazon, the reviews are plentiful and the prices reasonable.

Kay_Peel

Hi. You might find recommendations on the 'Shop but don't drop' forum or the 'I wanna buy it/do it' forum'.

These two forums are almost as as good as having a Which? magazine and I've found sound opinions, borne of experience and good research, on both.

onlyroz

We have had a Gaggia classic for a number of years now. It's on its way out, but has done good service. I'd recommend the metal bodied ones over the plastic ones. The most important thing is the pressure it pumps water out at - the higher the better. But you're really going to have to spend £150+ to get a decent one. Also a true connoisseur would grind their own beans rather than getting pre-ground.